Probing Newcastle’s new signings – Mehdi Abeid (+ video).

Mehdi Abeid in training with France U18s.Welcome to the third in my small series of ‘blogs looking at Newcastle United’s new signings in the latest transfer window. In this episode, I will be looking at free RC Lens youngster and French Under 18 international, Mehdi Abeid.

Much attention has being focused on the last three Newcastle United signings, Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Sylvain Marveaux. However Newcastle United first signing of the close season, 18 year old Mehdi Abeid, has been somewhat overlooked. Like the older Cabaye and Marveaux, Abeid was previously playing in the French leagues, in this case, now relegated Ligue 1 side Lens. Abeid signed a five-year deal with the Magpies on 27 May 2011, just before his existing three year contract with Lens expired at the beginning of June. On joining Newcastle United, the player said:

“The leaders of the Magpies told me about their project and rely on me for next season. For my part, I intend to give everything to evolve in the Premier League.”

Although seen more as ‘one for the future’, much like existing Reserves such as Haris Vuckic and Shane Ferguson, 18 year old Abeid has aleady being capped at both Under 17 and Under-18 level for France. He was called up for 14 under 17 caps (scoring 2 goals) and 3 Under 18. Abeid is around 5’9″ (1.79M) and is of French Algerian descent.

RC Lens site ‘Lensois.com’ said of him:

“Abeid is an attacking midfielder comfortable on the left side of midfield or through the middle. In the past, he has also played as a 2nd striker. Derek McKinlay, a writer on French football has described him as “pacy and full of trickery but untried and untested at the top level, he’s one for the future.”

Although his provenance, from the B-team of a club which was once again relegated last season to the second tier of French football may seem rather modest, by all accounts, he seems to be a player of talent and potential.

Below is a video of Abeid in action with the Lens B-side.

NUFCBlog Author: workyticket
workyticket has written 1057 articles on this blog.